Click above if you are interested
in a career with the BFD
Click above if you are interested
in a career with the BFD

Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 is dedicated to improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of our members. We are committed to advocating for fair wages, hour, and benefits, while promoting unity and collective bargaining rights at all levels. Our mission includes fosteringstrong relationships amoung our members and enhancing the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in protecting our comminity. Together, we strive to ensure the highest of standards of service and saftey for both our firefighters and the citizens we proudly serve.
Local 735 serves four platoons on a rotating schedule: two 9-hour day shifts followed by two 15-hour night shifts, then four days off. Union members attend meetings while off-duty to stay involved and informed. We’re also proud to support our community through public events, charitable drives, and local outreach efforts.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Covering an area of approximately 19 square miles, and it is home to a diverse population. One of Bethlehem’s most notable events is Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival. In 2023, Musikfest celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 1,330,000 people, featuring over 450 performers from 26 states and eight countries.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of public safety—when seconds count, our community depends on a rapid, skilled response. Since 2007, all members of our department have been required to hold EMT certification in order to meet Quick Response Service (QRS) standards.
While our firefighters do not staff ambulances directly, we support EMS operations in other essential ways. Ambulances are housed at Stations 1 and 6, and our personnel are responsible for driving these units to the hospital when needed. This integration was designed to expand coverage across a broader area of the city, enhancing service availability for residents.
At this time, paramedics are not represented under IAFF Local 735.

FILL THE BOOT FOR BOBBY EVENT AT PINTS AND PIES IN WILSON
Earlier today, while operating at a multiple alarm fire in the City of Easton, Wilson Borough Local 1914 President Lt. Bobby Lewullis sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized. In addition to serving his community and Local he served our country honorably in the United States Marine Corps.
A “Fill the Boot for Bobby” event is being hosted on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 1100–2000 hours at Pints & Pies, located at 2049 Northampton Street, Wilson, PA 18042. Pints & Pies has generously committed to donating 20% of the day’s sales to support Bobby and his family. In addition, the boot will be passed throughout the event to raise additional funds.
If you are able, please consider stopping by, bringing your family, and showing your support for Brother Lewullis.#IAFF #PPFFA 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Local 735 sends our thoughts and prayers to the injured brother and his family and his fire department family. Everyday firefighters run into danger when called upon, it’s the oath we take and the people we are. Wishing you a speedy and healthy recovery. #IAFF #PPFFA #staffingmatters🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
Easton Fire Chief: 'Say a prayer' for firefighter injured in major 3-alarm fire; power back on
www.wfmz.com
A three-alarm fire at the Hotel Hampton in downtown Easton left one firefighter injured and 3,500 people without power Friday.9 CommentsComment on Facebook
‼️Safe Corners = Safer Community‼️
A job well done to Girl Scout Troop 82008 from Bethlehem for an incredible presentation at tonight’s City Council meeting! 👏
Their Safe Corners PSA highlights how important it is to keep intersections clear of snow and debris so pedestrians can move about safely. Accessibility at corners truly makes a difference to our pedestrians!
Be sure to watch their PSA and help spread the word!
And while you’re clearing those corners, don’t forget about the fire hydrants in your neighborhood…please shovel at least three feet around them. Quick access saves valuable time in an emergency.
Great job, Troop 82008! ❄️🚒
#communitysupport #bethlehem
#builtbybethlehem #bethlehemsbravest ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Many thanks to our neighbors at Allentown Fire Department- Engine 4 and 9 Allentown Fire Department - Engine 13 and Nancy Run Fire Company for the assist and aid throughout the day today. Your effort side by side with our members made all the difference. #staffingmatters 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
**2ND ALARM**
**SECOND WORKING FIRE - 1900 BLOCK HART STREET**
Please avoid this area as apparatus reposition from across the city and other units/call-out personnel respond in.
#IAFF #local735 #bethlehemsbravest #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
***UPGRADED TO 3RD ALARM***
**2nd Alarm - Working Fire**
For everyone's safety, please avoid areas around the 1400 Block of East 5th Street while our 1st Platoon works the fire scene.
#IAFF #Local735 #Bethlehemsbravest #PPFFA ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
4th Platoon answered the call again tonight, suppressing a fully involved detached garage fire that went 2nd Alarm. Great work brothers and huge thanks to our BPD for the traffic control to get our incoming apparatus to the scene.
#IAFF #local735 #bethlehemsbravest #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Lainey is the granddaughter of one of our brothers from Easton Professional Firefighters Local 713.
Beyond her grandfather’s service, both of Lainey’s parents proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. This family has dedicated so much of their lives to serving others, and now they are in need of our support.
Please take a moment to read Lainey’s story. Any help you’re able to provide toward expenses related to her care would be deeply appreciated.
Follow this link to COTA For Lainey - www.facebook.com/share/1EZTi19arD/?mibextid=wwXIfr ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
**2nd Alarm** - Working fire in the 700 Block of East 6th Street between Buchanan and Atlantic. Please avoid the area for safety as our 1st Platoon work to knock it down. ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook